Packers release safety Charlie Peprah

Green Bay -- In a surprising move -- one day before training camp begins -- the Packers have released veteran safety Charlie Peprah.

The decision to release Peprah may be a sign that the Packers will go younger at safety with M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian or possibly use Charles Woodson in a different role. Peprah underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this off-season and said he isn't 100%, yet added that he did not perform the run portion of his physical. There's a chance the Packers spotted something else in Peprah's physical that raised a red flag.

Peprah chose not to discuss the situation, but wished to thank the fans and the organization.

"I appreciate all the fans for their support," Peprah said. "Even the ones who weren't supportive, I appreciate them, too. That made me work even harder. Man, it was a dream come true to play for the Packers. Not many people can say they played for a historic franchise like this, and be a part of a Super Bowl team. It's hard to be happy about that right now, but I know looking back at my career, five or six years later, I know it's something I'll be blessed to have been a part of."

Last season, Peprah finished with five interceptions and 14 pass break-ups, but he was never able to fill the void left by the injured Nick Collins. Though usually assignment-sure in Dom Capers' scheme, Peprah was often a step slow in coverage and lacked elite athleticism. His turbulent season culminated in Green Bay's playoff loss to the New York Giants. Peprah's missed tackle led to a 66-yard touchdown by Hakeem Nicks, and he was also one culprit on the Giants' Hail Mary touchdown right before halftime.

When asked earlier Wednesday if players like Jennings or McMillian would have an opportunity to start at camp, coach Mike McCarthy didn't get into specifics.

“Well, it really depends on how you define ‘starter,'" McCarthy said. "I think it’s important, we talk about this a lot in here, we don’t have 11 starters. I don’t foresee us having 11 players on offense and 11 players on defense that play 1,000 plays next year."

Peprah didn't participate in OTAs and minicamp, but the news still was a surprise. Training camps across the league are beginning this week. Peprah figured to get a fair shot at starting for a third straight season. Earlier this off-season, the seventh-year veteran even harbored Pro Bowl hopes.

Now, he's looking for a new home. Peprah plans to stick around town for a little while as he prepares for his next move. Always one of the classiest guys in the locker room, Peprah remained optimistic.

"It is a business," Peprah said. "I understand that. I will land on my feet. You haven't seen the last of me. Who knows? You never know. It has happened once before. Bygones are bygones. There are no hard feelings. You never know what the future holds.

"We'll see what happens."

About Tyler Dunne

Tyler Dunne covers the Green Bay Packers. He has been on the beat since 2011, winning awards with the Pro Football Writers of America and Milwaukee Press Club.